Annual and regular dental exams are a key part of maintaining and improving your dental health. While most Americans have seen a dentist at least once in the past year, many wait until they begin to experience symptoms like pain and discomfort to see their dentist. Pain is a symptom of an underlying condition and usually requires treatment. Tooth decay is a major symptom of poor dental hygiene and neglect. Fortunately, Splendid Dental Bellaire general dentistry can help your teeth, gums, and mouth remain healthy and help you avoid potentially costly dental procedures.
Tooth decay is the most common dental problem in the United States. In fact, tooth decay impacts billions of people worldwide; around half of the population has some form of tooth decay. The destruction caused by tooth decay is why dental problems are among the most expensive medical conditions to treat in the United States. With regular visits to a general dentist, however, many of these problems can be avoided.
To learn more, reach out to Splendid Dental Bellaire online today or call us at 713-244-7797.
Why Is General Dentistry Important?
A general dentist commonly sees the damage tooth decay can cause. Tooth decay occurs when food particles and bacteria are left to fester inside your mouth. Bacteria feeds off of sugar, which is why limiting your sugar consumption is a major part of proper dental health. If you eat a lot of sugary foods, you are far from alone. Worldwide, sugar consumption has tripled over the last 50 years, and the United States is no exception.
Splendid Dental Bellaire general dentistry, as well as the World Health Organization, recommend that you limit your daily sugar consumption to 38 grams for men and 25 grams for women, and only 12-25 grams if you are a child. However, the average American consumes 71 grams of sugar a day, nearly three times the recommended amount for women and children and more than twice the recommended daily amount for men.
Sugar leads to tooth decay and heightens your risk of experiencing:
- Gum disease
- Infections
- Pain
- Visible decay
- Discoloration
Our Splendid Dental Bellaire general dentist recommends that you floss daily and brush at least twice a day to protect your mouth from decay. Tooth decay, worldwide, is the most common chronic health problem, which is why annual dental visits are so important for your oral health.
Benefits of General Dentistry
General dentistry can identify early signs of tooth decay before you suffer from chronic problems. Dental problems like cavities and discoloration can have a negative impact on your physical health and emotional wellbeing. General dentistry can offer professional dental cleanings, which help remove harmful particles and bacteria from your mouth.
Tooth decay is important to prevent and address early because it wears down your teeth’ outer layer. When your enamel starts to thin and cavities develop, it can create a perfect route for bacteria to enter your pulp and infect your tooth. General dentistry can remove any tooth decay and fill your tooth before you experience a painful infection.
Another benefit of general dentistry is that your dentist can administer fluoride treatments. General dentistry offers fluoride treatments that help protect and strengthen your teeth while preventing tooth decay. Fluoride treatments are essential if you don’t drink or have access to water with adequate fluoride levels. Fluoride treatments are safe, effective, and typically covered by most dental insurance plans.
Reach Out to Splendid Dental Bellaire Today
Neglecting your oral health can lead to damaging consequences. Minor tooth decay can lead to painful infections and gum disease. If you are ready to take control of your dental health, call our team today at 713-244-7797 to find out more about the best general dentistry Bellaire, TX has to offer.